For the first edition of our Digital Fireside Chats, we sat down (virtually) with Jason and Eliza Raine — the duo behind The Mysa Motel in Palm Beach on Queensland’s southern Gold Coast. Their approach to sustainability isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s a full-circle mindset that’s reshaping how boutique hospitality can look, feel, and operate in the real world. We spoke to them about rebuilding a retro motel with low impact and high intent, how circularity can serve both the planet and your bottom line, and why staying small can be a powerful thing.

Let’s start at the beginning. Why did you take on the Palm Trees Motel in the first place?

Eliza: We weren’t looking for a motel, but we’ve always loved old buildings with a story. When the Palm Trees Motel went up for sale in 2019, we saw potential. It had so much character — breeze blocks, pink tiles, vintage signage. But it had also been left to fall apart. We knew we could bring it back in a way that honoured the bones, but reimagined the purpose.

Jason: And we didn’t want to start from scratch. There’s enough concrete and construction in the world. We wanted to show what’s possible when you work with what’s already there — and make better choices at every stage.

You’ve used the term “circular hospitality” to describe what you’re doing. What does that mean, practically?

Jason: Circularity is about minimising waste and maximising reuse. It’s looking at everything — from the build to the daily operations — through a lens of: how can this last longer, create less waste, and give back more than it takes?

Eliza: For the renovation, that meant keeping the original structure and layout. We salvaged breeze blocks from demolition sites, repurposed hardwood from the ceiling trusses, used end-of-line tiles that would’ve gone to landfill. We weren’t aiming for perfection — just better.

Jason: In the operations, we generate our own solar, we collect rainwater for toilets and gardens, all the products are refillable, we don’t do single-use plastics. Even our guest compendium is digital. But it still feels luxurious — because to us, good design and low impact should go hand in hand.

You’ve also kept everything incredibly local — not just the build, but the supply chain, the guest experience…

Eliza: Yes. Every tradesperson we used was from the Gold Coast. We source everything we can locally — the snacks in the guest packs, the bathroom products, even our drink coasters. We want guests to feel like they’re part of this place, not just staying in it.

Jason: We also work with local students doing hospitality placements. We’ve offered emergency accommodation during the Northern Rivers floods. Sustainability has to be about people too — not just the environment. That’s a huge part of circularity for us.

You’ve hosted shoots, elopements, full motel takeovers. Was that always part of the plan?

Eliza: Not really! But the response has been amazing — especially from brands that want a more conscious backdrop. Cotton On shot a campaign here. Rhythm has used it. And we’ve had some beautiful micro-weddings and wellness retreats. The space lends itself to it.

Jason: It’s also helped us stay financially sustainable — and reinvest in the property. When your values are clear, the right kind of people find you.

Why do you think this model is resonating so much now?

Eliza: People are more aware. There’s a growing number of travellers who want to support places doing things differently. They still want comfort and design — but they don’t want it to come at a cost to the planet.

Jason: We didn’t set out to build a “sustainable motel”. We just asked better questions at every step. And that’s what circularity is: being thoughtful, intentional, curious.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to take a similar approach?

Jason: Start with what you’ve got. Use what exists. Think about who you’re supporting in your community. Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is.

Eliza: And don’t assume it’s more expensive or harder. Often it’s just different — and it feels better knowing every decision is aligned with your values.

Finally — what’s your vision for the future of small, sustainable stays like Mysa?

Eliza: I think there’s huge opportunity for motels and older buildings to be reimagined. Not just as Instagrammable stays, but as spaces that really contribute — environmentally, socially, culturally.

Jason: We’re small, but we’ve shown that small can be mighty. If more operators adopted even some of these practices, the collective impact would be massive.